Field replaceable fluid element methods and systems for fluidic processors

ABSTRACT

Steam cylinders for humidifies require periodic replacement as well as replacement to address failures etc. However, field replacement of steam cylinders is not a straight-forward operation and there is significant risk and potential for damage to the replacement cylinder and the humidifier as fluidic seals for the water inlet and steam outlet must be unmade as well as electrical connections for heater elements, level sensors etc. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide solutions for the deployment of replacement cylinders etc. for domestic, retail, and commercial systems that reduce the likelihood of damage to the fluidic seals, electrical connectors etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/044,711, filed Jul. 25, 2018, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/536,537 filed on Jul. 25, 2017,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to fluidic elements for fluidic processors andmore particularly to the design and implementation of field replaceablefluidic elements for fluidic processors such as electrode humidifiercylinders for humidifiers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A humidifier is a device that increases humidity (moisture) in a singleroom or an entire building. Point-of-use humidifiers are commonly usedto humidify a single room, while whole-house or furnace humidifiers,which connect to a building's home's heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) system, provide humidity to the building. Largehumidifiers are used in commercial, institutional, or industrialcontexts, often as part of a large HVAC system.

The need for humidifiers arises in low humidity environments which mayoccur in hot, dry desert climates, or indoors in artificially heatedspaces. In winter, especially when cold outside air is heated indoors,the humidity may drop as low as 10-20%. This low humidity can causeadverse health effects for humans and animals within these environmentseither as workers, visitors, or residents. Industrial humidifiers mayalso be used when a specific humidity level must be maintained toachieve specific requirements such as preventing static electricitybuildup or preserving material properties (e.g. art galleries, museums,libraries, and their associated storage). Whilst evaporativehumidifiers, natural humidifiers, vapourizing humidifiers, impellerhumidifiers and ultrasonic humidifiers are all common types, it is thevapourizing humidifier (or vapourizer, steam humidifier, warm misthumidifier) that dominates the industry for most commercialhumidification systems.

In operation, a vapourizing humidifier comprises a water tank that is atleast partially filled with water, creating a water reservoir and avapour region above the water reservoir within water tank. Heat forheating the water within the water tank is provided by a means such asfrom an electrical immersion heater or mains voltage electrodes immersedin the water on smaller domestic units or a heat exchanger transferringheat from hot combustion gases of oil or gas in larger commercial units.The water vapour, or steam, forms within water tank in the vapour regionabove the water reservoir. This vapour region is fluidly connected to asteam tube or steam nozzle that passes through the upper region of thewater tank.

However, humidification systems historically were associated withtime-consuming and costly maintenance required to remove the mineralstypically left behind when water is boiled. Operators require ahumidifier that can create clean steam and sustain long-term efficientoperation. Accordingly, over forty years Nortec established electrodebased humidifiers with a disposable cylinder to meet clientexpectations. As clean steam is produced, the in-steam cylinder mineralsare removed in intervals and through an automatic drain system. Nortec'spatented auto-adaptive control system is designed to produce ratedoutput capacity until the very end of a functioning cylinder life isreached. Once a cylinder is no longer functioning it is effortlesslyremoved and replaced with a new powerful, clean cylinder. In manyhumidifiers complete disassembly is required for cleaning through theuse of hazardous cleaning substances to fully remove the minerals. InNortec's designed humidifiers the cylinder is removed and replaced sothat customer maintenance costs are reduced. Further, when the cylindersare produced of inert plastics and retain only the water borne minerals,disposal problems are minimal.

However, such field replacement of steam cylinders is still not astraight-forward operation and there is significant risk and potentialfor damage to the replacement cylinder and the humidifier as fluidicseals for the water inlet and steam outlet must be unmade and made forthe old and new cylinder as well as electrical connections for heaterelements, level sensors etc. Similar issues exist with other elementsdisposed within fluidic processing systems.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide consumers and maintenancepersonnel with means to deploy replacement cylinders etc. for domestic,retail, and commercial systems that reduces the likelihood of damage tothe fluidic seals, electrical connectors etc. which can at a minimumdamage the replacement cylinder requiring that another replacementcylinder be acquired and deployed. Potentially, the damage is to themain unit's fluidic connections and/or electrical connections requiringthat these be repaired or potentially a complete new system installed.Such damage thereby increasing downtime, costs, etc. as well asrequiring maintenance personnel.

It would beneficial for embodiments of the invention to operate not onlywith water/steam but with other materials that are evaporated forsubsequent transfer in gaseous state and employed within a range ofapplications within the medical, chemical, environmental fields etc. Itwould be further beneficial for embodiments of the invention to workwith cylinders/cartridges etc. other than humidifiers such as filters,etc.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to address fluidic elements forfluidic processors and more particularly to the design andimplementation of field replaceable fluidic elements for fluidicprocessors such as electrode humidifier cylinders for humidifiers.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder; wherein-   the first fluidic assembly comprises:    -   a coupling for mating to the first fluid port; and    -   a mounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support        within a system of which the cylinder forms part; wherein    -   the mounting and support allow the first fluidic assembly to        tilt such that at least one of the first fluidic assembly can be        titled away from the system to allow the cylinder to be removed        from the system or the first fluidic assembly can be tilted        towards the system after a cylinder has been mounted to the        first fluidic assembly for installation to the system.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder; wherein-   the first fluidic assembly comprises:    -   a coupling for mating to the first fluid port; and    -   a mounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support        within a system of which the cylinder forms part; wherein    -   the mounting and support allow the first fluidic assembly to be        moved and tilted such that at least one of the first fluidic        assembly can be moved and titled away from the system to allow        the cylinder to be removed from the system or the first fluidic        assembly can be moved tilted towards the system after a cylinder        has been mounted to the first fluidic assembly for installation        to the system.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder; wherein-   the first fluidic assembly comprises:    -   a third fluid port;    -   a coupling;    -   a mounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support        within a system of which the cylinder forms part; and    -   a means for moving the coupling from a first position to a        second position; wherein    -   in the first position the coupling is lowered away from the        cylinder allowing the cylinder to be inserted and removed from a        system comprising the cylinder; and    -   in the second position the coupling is raised providing a        fluidic coupling between the first fluid port and the third        fluid port.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder; wherein-   at least one of:-   the first fluidic assembly comprises:    -   a third fluid port;    -   a coupling;    -   a mounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support        within a system of which the cylinder forms part; and    -   a means for moving the coupling from a first position to a        second position; wherein    -   in the first position the coupling is lowered away from the        cylinder allowing the cylinder to be inserted and removed from a        system comprising the cylinder; and    -   in the second position the coupling is raised providing a        fluidic coupling between the first fluid port and the third        fluid port; and-   the second fluidic assembly comprises:    -   a fourth fluid port;    -   a coupling;    -   a mounting for coupling the second fluidic assembly to a support        within a system of which the cylinder forms part; and    -   a means for moving the coupling from a first position to a        second position; wherein    -   in the first position the coupling is raised away from the        cylinder allowing the cylinder to be inserted and removed from a        system comprising the cylinder; and    -   in the second position the coupling is lowered providing a        fluidic coupling between the first fluid port and the third        fluid port.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder; wherein-   at least one of:    -   removal of the cylinder from at least one of mating with at        least one of the first fluidic assembly and the second fluidic        assembly automatically disconnects at least one electrical        connection of a plurality of electrical connections to the        cylinder; and    -   insertion of the cylinder to at least one of mating with at        least one of the first fluidic assembly and the second fluidic        assembly automatically connects at least one electrical        connection of a plurality of electrical connections to the        cylinder.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising:

-   a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluid port of a    replaceable cylinder for at least one of providing and receiving a    first fluid to the cylinder; and-   a second fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port for    receiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceable    cylinder; wherein    -   a system comprising the first fluidic assembly and the second        fluidic assembly also comprises at least one fitting of a        plurality of fittings, each fitting having a predetermined        geometry matching a predetermined portion of the external        geometry of the cylinder; and    -   the at least one fitting of the plurality of fittings aligns at        least one of the first fluid port of the replaceable cylinder        with the first fluidic assembly and the second first fluid port        of the replaceable cylinder with the second fluidic assembly.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice comprising a first fluidic assembly for coupling to a first fluidport of a replaceable cylinder for providing a first fluid to thecylinder.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided amethod of accessing a replaceable cylinder within a fluidic processingsystem comprising mounting the replaceable cylinder upon a first mountwhich allows the replaceable cylinder to be pivoted away from the systemallowing a user to remove the cylinder without interference from a shellof the system by lifting it away from the first mount.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a humidifier with replaceable cylinder according to theprior art;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem;

FIG. 3 depicts a mechanism according to the embodiment of the inventiondepicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B for engaging and disengaging a cylinderwithin a fluidic system at either end;

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem;

FIG. 6 depicts a mechanism according to an embodiment of the inventionfor engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidic system;

FIGS. 7A to 9 depict a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem;

FIG. 10 depicts a mechanism according to an embodiment of the inventionfor engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidic system;

FIGS. 11A to 12B depict a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem; and

FIGS. 13A to 14B depict a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is direct to humidifiers and more particularly tothe design and implementation of fluid carry-over barriers within steamnozzles.

The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, andis not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration ofthe disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s)will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description forimplementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It beingunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope asset forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, an embodiment is anexample or implementation of the inventions and not the soleimplementation. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment”or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the sameembodiments. Although various features of the invention may be describedin the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a singleembodiment or any combination of embodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarilyall embodiments, of the inventions. The phraseology and terminologyemployed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is fordescriptive purpose only. It is to be understood that where the claimsor specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not tobe construed as there being only one of that element. It is to beunderstood that where the specification states that a component feature,structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” beincluded, that particular component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic is not required to be included.

Reference to terms such as “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “front” and“back” are intended for use in respect to the orientation of theparticular feature, structure, or element within the figures depictingembodiments of the invention. It would be evident that such directionalterminology with respect to the actual use of a device has no specificmeaning as the device can be employed in a multiplicity of orientationsby the user or users.

Reference to terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” andgrammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or morecomponents, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that theterms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, stepsor integers. Likewise, the phrase “consisting essentially of”, andgrammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed asexcluding additional components, steps, features integers or groupsthereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps,components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novelcharacteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. If thespecification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does notpreclude there being more than one of the additional element.

A “vapourizer” as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers toa system designed to provide a source of a predetermined material ormaterials within the gaseous state. Accordingly, a vapourizer mayinclude, but not be limited to, a humidifier for providing steam withinan air conditioning application.

A “scaffold” or “scaffolds” as used herein, and throughout thisdisclosure, refers to a structure that is used to hold up, interfacewith, or support another material or element(s). This includes, but isnot limited to, such two-dimensional (2D) structures such as substratesand films, three-dimensional (3D) structures such as geometricalobjects, non-geometrical objects, combinations of geometrical andnon-geometrical objects, naturally occurring structural configurations,and manmade structural configurations. A scaffold may be solid, hollow,and porous or a combination thereof. A scaffold may contain recesses,pores, openings, holes, vias, and channels or a combination thereof. Ascaffold may be smooth, textured, have predetermined surface profilesand/or features. A scaffold may be intended to support one or more othermaterials, one or more elements, one or more structures etc. A scaffoldmay include, but not be limited to, a spine of a device and/or aframework, for example, which also supports elements disposed within thescaffold either partially or completely. A scaffold may include, forexample, a ring around an opening of an upper portion of a humidifiercartridge body such that the wall of the humidifier cartridge bodyextends up and around from the ring and over enclosing the upper portionof the chamber. A scaffold may include, for example, a ring around anopening of a lower portion of a humidifier cartridge body such that thewall of the humidifier cartridge body extends down and around from thering and enclosing the lower portion of the chamber.

A “plastic” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to amaterial consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic orsemi-synthetic organic compounds that are malleable and can be molded.Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but maycontain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonlyderived from petrochemicals, but many are made from renewable materials.Accordingly a plastic may include, but not be limited to, polyester,polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene(HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC),low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS),high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamides (PA), nylons, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyurethanes (PU),maleimide/bismaleimide, melamine formaldehyde (MF), phenolics (PF) or(phenol formaldehydes), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide(PEI), polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polysulfone. It would be evidentthat the plastics available for a specific application may be a subsetof these as well as others not identified wherein the plastic may bespecified based upon factors including, but not limited to, the requiredoperating temperatures, chemical(s) vapourised, cost, andmanufacturability

A “polyester” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers toa category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in theirmain chain. This includes, but is not limited to polyesters which arenaturally occurring chemicals as well as synthetics through step-growthpolymerization, for example. Polyesters may be biodegradable or not.Polyesters may be a thermoplastic or thermoset or resins cured byhardeners. Polyesters may be aliphatic, semi-aromatic or aromatic.Polyesters may include, but not be limited to, those exploitingpolyglycolide, polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL),polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyethyleneadipate (PEA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate(PTT), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

A “thermoplastic” or “thermosoftening plastic” as used herein andthroughout this disclosure, refers to a category of polymers that becomepliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidify uponcooling. Thermoplastics may include, but not be limited, polycarbonate(PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyether ether ketone (PEEK),polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly vinyl chloride (PVC),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide (PI), polyphenylsulfone(PPSU), polychlorotrifluoroethene (PCTFE or PTFCE), florinated ethylenepropylene (FEP), and perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). It would be evidentthat the thermoplastics available for a specific application may be asubset of these as well as others not identified wherein the plastic maybe specified based upon factors including, but not limited to, therequired operating temperatures, chemical(s) vapourised, cost, andmanufacturability.

A “plastic”, “polyester” or “thermoplastic” as used herein may refer tothe material in an unfilled or filled state, i.e. 100% material or X %material and (100−X) % filler. A filler may be a single material or acombination of materials. Examples of fillers may include, but not belimited to, graphite particles, glass particles, carbonparticles/fibers, graphite particles/fibers, glass particles/fibers,quartz particles/fibers, boron particles/fibers, ceramicparticles/fibers or whiskers such as alumina and silica, metal-coatedparticles/fibers, ceramic-coated particles/fibers, diamond-coatedparticles/fibers, carbon nanotubes, aramid particles/fibers such asKevlar™, poly-phenylenebenzobi soxazole (“PEO”) particles/fibers such asZylon™, metal particles/fibers, polythenes, polyacrylates, liquidcrystalline polymers, and aromatic polyesters such as Vectran™.

A “metal” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to amaterial that has good electrical and thermal conductivity. Suchmaterials may be malleable and/or fusible and/or ductile. Metals mayinclude, but not be limited to, aluminum, nickel, copper, cobalt,chromium, silver, gold, platinum, iron, zinc, titanium, and alloysthereof such as bronze, stainless steel, stainless steel, brass, andphosphor bronze. It would be evident that the metals and/or alloysavailable for a specific application may be a subset of these as well asothers not identified wherein the plastic may be specified based uponfactors including, but not limited to, the required operatingtemperatures, chemical(s) vapourised, cost, and manufacturability.

A “silicone” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to apolymer that includes any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeatingunits of siloxane.

An “elastomeric” material or “elastomer” as used herein, and throughoutthis disclosure, refers to a material, generally a polymer, withviscoelasticity. Elastomers may include, but not be limited to,unsaturated rubbers such as polyisoprene, butyl rubber, ethylenepropylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, and thermoplastic elastomers.

The term “flexible,” as used herein, refers to the ability of a bodythat is capable of being bent or flexed. Something that is flexible canbe, for example, resilient or malleable. The term “resilient,” as usedherein, refers to the ability of a body that has been subjected to anexternal force to recover, or substantially recover, its original sizeand/or shape, following deformation. The term “malleable,” as usedherein, refers to the ability of a body that has been subjected to anexternal force to deform and maintain, or substantially maintain, thedeformed size and/or shape.

Within the following descriptions in respect of FIGS. 1 to 8 embodimentsof the invention are described with respect to steam humidificationsystems and FL-COBs for steam nozzles forming part of such systems.However, it would be evident that the concepts described and depictedmay be applied to other vaporisation systems and vapours/fluids, e.g.vapours/fluids other than steam/water.

FIG. 1 depicts a humidifier 100 with replaceable cylinder 130 accordingto the prior art. As depicted the humidifier 100 comprises a front cover150, shell 160, REplaceable HUmidifier Cylinder (REHUC) 130, CYlinderPlugs (CYPs) 110 for connection to REHUC 130 electrodes/sensors etc.,flexible hose 120 with hose clamp, drain and power switch 170, outletpipe 180 and cover screws 140. In order to replace the REHUC 130 theuser disconnects the electrical mains power at the external disconnectbefore any servicing. The inside of the humidifier cabinet 160 containshigh voltage components and wiring. The existing cylinder is drained byswitching the drain and power switch 170 to the ON or Drain position.Alternatively, draining of the cylinder may be performed automaticallydue to detection of a fault or expiration of the cylinder life.

Once the REHUC 130 is drained the user turns the drain and power switch170 to the off position and then turns off the water supply at the shutoff valve. Next the screws 140 securing the front cover 150 to the shell160 are undone allowing the cover 150 to be removed. Next the cylinderplugs 110 are removed from the electrical contacts on the top of theREHUC 130.

Next, the hose clamp is undone allowing the flexible hose to bedecoupled from the outlet pipe 180. The user can now remove the REHUC130 by lifting/tipping the REHUC 130 out from the inlet water and/ordrain connection (not shown). It is during this stage that the user candamage the inlet water connection of the humidifier as well as damageother electrical interfaces to the REHUC 130. Installation of the newREHUC 130 requires that the user inserts the bottom connection of theREHUC 130 into the inlet water and/or drain connection which is achievedby lifting/tilting the REHUC 130 and then positioning/dropping the REHUC130. In order to ensure a fluidic seal an O-ring is typically employedwhich may be placed onto the lower inlet of the REHUC 130 to fit betweenthe REHUC 130 inlet and the inlet water and/or drain connection or maybe part of the inlet and/or drain connection assemblies. This O-ring maybe supplied discretely with the REHUC 130 for the user to attach or theO-ring may be part of the drain valve system such that replacement isonly required in the event of damage. The user then re-attaches theflexible hose to the outlet of the REHUC 130 and outlet pipe 180 oncethe REHUC 130 has been position and tightens the hose clamps. Next thecylinder plugs 110 are attached to the appropriate electrical contactson the top of the REHUC 130.

At this point the user replaces the humidifier cover 150 and secureswith the screw 140 before turning back on the electrical power at theexternal disconnect and turning the water shut off valve back on.Finally, the user turns the drain switch to on such that the REHUC 130fills and the electrical heaters generate steam. In order to providecompact humidifiers, the manufacturer will typically make the shell 160as small as possible relative to the REHUC 130. This coupled with theoutlet pipe 180, electrical cabling, controller, power supply etc. leadto the available space for manipulating the REHUC 130 being minimal.Accordingly, damaging one or more of the inlet water and/or drainconnection, bottom inlet of the REHUC 130, O-ring, and O-ring retaininggroove is easy. Equally, visibility when inserting the REHUC 130 may belimited so that distortion/movement of the O-ring may not be evidentuntil the REHUC 130 is inserted freeing the user to view or when thehumidifier is re-started through a leaking connection.

Within some embodiments of the invention the inlet fluid may require avalve be closed. In other embodiments of the invention an inlet valvemay default to closed position without any power.

Referring to FIG. 2A there are depicted first to third views 200A to200C of a mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention forengaging and disengaging a REHUC such as cylinder 2000 within a fluidicsystem. As depicted the cylinder 2000 comprises a lower portion 211 withinlet/drain connection 214 and upper portion 212 with steam outlet 213.Also depicted is a movable coupling assembly (MCA) 220 comprising a body221, fluidic-mechanical coupling 222, handle 223 and movable sleeve 224.As evident in uncoupled image 300A and coupled image 300B the handle 223raises/lowers the movable sleeve 224 relative to the body 221 andfluidic-mechanical coupling 222 together with the steam outlet 213 andupper portion 212 of cylinder 2000. Accordingly, the movable sleeve 224allows for the coupling between the outlet portion of the humidifier(coupled via the fluidic-mechanical coupling 222) and the steam outlet213 to be made/broken without requiring the cylinder 2000 be moved.Whilst a gap G is depicted within uncoupled image 200C and coupled image200D in FIG. 2B it would be evident to one skilled in the art that thisgap may be zero or a predetermined value. Optionally, the movable sleeve224 may have a profile at the top allowing the steam outlet 213 of thecylinder 2000 to be slid into the moveable sleeve which is then raisedto put the steam outlet 213 within the sealed joints between it and themovable sleeve 224 and the movable sleeve 224 and the fluidic-mechanicalcoupling 222.

Now referring to FIG. 3 there are depicted first and secondthree-dimensional (3D) perspective images 300A and 300B wherein themovable coupling assembly (MCA) 220 is disposed at the top of the REHUC,such as cylinder 2000, as depicted in respect of FIGS. 2A and 2B, forengaging and disengaging with fluidic output port with the steam outlet214 and at the bottom of the REHUC for engaging and disengaging withfluidic inlet/drain connection 214 according to embodiments of theinvention. In the second configuration in second image 300B the REHUC,such as cylinder 2000, within the fluidic system is inserted into thefluidic system and installed with its weight pushing it down such thatits inlet/drain connection 214 engages the fluidic inlet port of thefluidic system. The MCA 220 is then raised such that it engages thesteam outlet 214. Beneficially, the embodiments of the inventiondepicted in FIGS. 2A to 3 provide a fluidic connection through pressurealong the axis of the fluidic connection closing the joint ratherrequiring a radial pressure through a clamp or clamps applied to a hoseor hoses fitting over the inlet and/or outlet.

Within FIGS. 4 and 5 there are depicted first to fourth images 400A to400D respectively for a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem. Accordingly, first image 400A depicts the REHUC cylindercomprising outlet 410, upper body portion 420, lower body portion 430and inlet-drain 440. Second image 400B depicts the mechanism comprisingoutlet coupling 450, handle 460, inlet-drain assembly 470 and housing480. Accordingly, the assembled cylinder—mechanism as configured whenthe REHUC is in use is depicted in third image 400C. Referring to FIG.4D movement of the handle 460 results in cams 485 rotating and movingthe inlet-drain assembly 470 vertically via guides 490 and frameelements 490 of housing 480. Accordingly, removal of the cylinder isaccomplished by pulling the handle down thereby lowering the inlet-drainassembly 470 (and cylinder if decoupled at the upper end) wherein thecylinder can be lifted out vertically from the inlet-drain assembly 470avoiding any tipping/tilting and forced removal of the old REHUC and/orinsertion of the new REHUC. Once the new REHUC is has its inlet-drain440 inserted into the inlet-drain assembly 470 the handle can be raisedthereby lifting the cylinder and inlet-drain assembly 470 backvertically allowing connection of the steam outlet.

Now referring to FIG. 6 there are depicted first to third images 600A to600C relating to a mechanism according to an embodiment of the inventionfor engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidic system. Asdepicted a cylinder 610 with an inlet 630 is attached to a base 620which has inlet/drain connections 640 and 650 respectively. The base 620may be designed to fit a base element within the humidifier such thatthe base 620 is slid into the base element and fluidic connections aremade to the inlet/drain connections 640 and 650 respectively such as viasliding inner tubes designed to engage the inlet/drain connections 640and 650 respectively with O-ring seals for example. Such a design beingessentially the inverse of the movable sleeve 224 in FIGS. 2A through 3respectively wherein the inner tube moves relative to a fixed externaltube rather than an outer tube moves relative to a fixed internal tube.Base 620 may be retained in position relative to the base element by amechanical fixture or fixtures. Optionally, the inlet/drain connections640 and 650 respectively may project outside the footprint of the base620 allowing a flexible hose to be attached and retained via a hoseclamp.

Now referring to FIGS. 7A to 9 there are depict if first to eighthimages 700A-700D, 800A-800B, and 900A-900B a mechanism according to anembodiment of the invention for engaging and disengaging a cylinderwithin a fluidic system. Referring to first and second images 700A and700B respectively in FIG. 7A there are depicted three-dimensional (3D)perspective views of the mechanism in “closed” (cylinder installedwithin humidifier) and “open” (where the cylinder has been pivotedforward during installation/removal). Two-dimensional (2D) sideelevations of the mechanism in the “open” and “closed” positions aredepicted in fifth and sixth images 800A and 800B respectively in FIG. 8.As depicted the cylinder 710 comprises an outlet 720 which engages withsteam tube 730 when the cylinder 710 is pivoted into the humidifier. Thecylinder 710 being mounted to an inlet-drain assembly 740 which ismounted to base plate 750 via guides 755. Within the 2D side elevationviews in FIG. 14 the steam tube 730 is covered by the housing 770.

Referring to FIG. 7B there are depicted third and fourth images 700C and700D respectively 3D perspective views of the mechanism in the “closed”position wherein the cylinder 710 is vertical and the outlet 720 engagedwith the steam tube 730. In third image 700C the majority of the housing770 has been removed except the electrical connectors 785 which engagethe electrical feed-throughs 780 through the upper portion of thecylinder 710. Accordingly, as the cylinder is tilted from the “open” tothe “closed” position and vice-versa the electrical feed-throughs 780,which connect to electrodes, sensors etc. within the cylinder 710,connect/disconnect respectively with the electrical connectors 785 sothat the electrical connections to the cylinder are made concurrentlywith the fluidic connections. Also visible is a flange 735 of the steamtube 730. Fourth image 700D depicts the upper portion of the mechanismand cylinder 710 with the housing 770 in place wherein access ports 775are visible at the rear allowing the electrical feed-throughs 780 tomove through the wall of the housing 770.

Now referring to FIG. 9 the inlet-drain assembly 740 and base plate 750are depicted without the cylinder 710 etc. in the “closed” and “open”positions in seventh and eighth images 900A and 900B respectively.Accordingly, as the user pulls/pushes the cylinder the inlet-drainassembly 740 moves along the guides 755 within the base plate 750.Accordingly, to remove a REHUC the user pulls the cylinder 710 whichremoves the end of the outlet 720 from within the end of the steam tube730 and allows the cylinder to be lifted away from the humidifierwithout the humidifier interfering. Hence, to insert a new REHUC theuser couples the fluid coupling at the bottom of the cylinder 710 to theinlet-drain assembly 740 and then pushes the cylinder 710 wherein theguides raise and align it with respect to the steam tube 730 to make theoutput fluid connection.

Referring to FIG. 10 there are depicted first to third images 1000A to1000C respectively for a mechanism according to an embodiment of theinvention for engaging and disengaging a cylinder within a fluidicsystem. As depicted the cylinder 1010 has first and second fluidcouplings 1020 and 1030 respectively together with a handle 1040.Accordingly, the cylinder 1010 may be slid into the humidifier makingthe fluidic connections or alternatively flexible hoses may be coupledto the first and second fluid couplings 1020 and 1030 respectively andthe cylinder 1010 positioned within the humidifier.

FIGS. 11A to 12B there is depicted a mechanism according to anembodiment of the invention for engaging and disengaging a cylinderwithin a fluidic system. Referring to FIG. 11A there are depicted firstto third images 1100A to 1100C respectively for a REHUC mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the invention for engaging and disengaginga cylinder within a fluidic system. Accordingly, first image 1100Adepicts the REHUC cylinder comprising outlet 1110, upper body portion1120, lower body portion 1130 and inlet-drain assembly 1140 togetherwith steam tube comprising coupling 1150A and tube 1150B (with aplurality of steam outlets disposed along its length). The steam tubebeing coupled to the RHUC cylinder via tubing 1160 which is mounted tothe outlet 1110 by first attachment 1170A and to the coupling 1150A viasecond attachment 1170B. Second and third images 1100B and 1100C depictthe REHUC mechanism in two different 3D perspective views.

Within FIG. 11B there are depicted first to third images 1100D to 1100Frespectively. First image 1100D being a close-up 3D perspective view ofthe REHUC cylinder outlet and steam tube coupling depicting the upperbody portion 1120 of the REHUC cylinder with outlet 1110 together withthe injector comprising coupling 1150A, tube 1150B, and abutment plate1150C. These being joined by tubing 1160 which is mounted to the outlet1110 by first attachment 1170A and to the coupling 1150A via secondattachment 1170B. Second image 1100E depicts the injector in isolationcomprising coupling 1150A, tube 1150B, and abutment plate 1150C whilstthird image 1100C depicts the REHUC cylinder comprising outlet 1110,upper body portion 1120, lower boy portion 1130 and inlet 1180. Theinlet 1180 coupling to the inlet-drain assembly 1140 when the REHUCcylinder is mounted to it and positioned.

Referring to FIG. 12A first and second image 1200A and 1200B depict a 3Dperspective views of the lower portion of the assembly. First image1200A comprising inlet-drain assembly and REHUC cylinder coupledtogether whilst second image 1200B depicts only the inlet-drainassembly. In first image 1200A the REHUC cylinder is depicted only bylower body portion 1120 whereas the inlet-drain assembly comprises atray 1140E, a first mounting 1140A, a fluidic coupler 1140C and valvecontroller 1140D. In second image 1200B these are also depicted togetherwith second mounting 1140B and inlet receptacle 1140F. The inletreceptacle 1140F being dimensioned to fit around the outer diameter ofthe inlet of the REHUC cylinder when it is inserted. Fluid (e.g. water)flow into the REHUC cylinder from the source, e.g. water reservoir,during vapour fluid generation (operation of REHUC) or cleaning cyclesand fluid flow from the REHUC cylinder during a drain sequence of acleaning cycle or REHUC removal being via the fluidic coupler 1140Cwhich is controlled via valve controller 1140D. The fluidic coupler1140C receiving fluid from external fluid system via controller inletport 1140G wherein it is coupled to the inlet receptacle 1140F andtherein the inlet 1180 of the REHUC cylinder when mounted under thecontrol of the valve controller 1140D. The fluidic coupler 1140C alsodraining fluid from the REHUC cylinder via the inlet receptacle 1140Funder the control of the valve controller 1140D wherein the fluid beingdrained is directed to drain 11401 of the tray 1140E via controlleroutlet port 1140H.

Referring to FIG. 12B there is depicted a 3D perspective view of theinlet-drain assembly depicting the controller inlet port 1140G, drain11401, inlet receptacle 1140F, valve controller 1140D, fluidic coupler1140C as described and depicted in FIG. 12A. Also depicted are firstmounting 1140A, which comprises first coupler mount 1210 and firstsupport 1215, and second mounting 1140B, which comprises second couplermount 1220 and second support 1225. The first and second supports 1215and 1225 being attached to the tray and allowing insertion/retention ofthe assembly (comprising controller inlet port 1140G, inlet receptacle1140F, valve controller 1140D, fluidic coupler 1140C etc. to the tray)as well as rotation of the assembly relative to the tray. Accordingly,the assembly is vertically and laterally positioned by the heights ofthe first and second supports 1215 and 1225 and laterally restrained byflexible support 1240 which is pushed aside as the assembly is loweredand slid into first mounting 1140A. Rotation of the assembly withrespect to the tray is prevented in one direction by arm 1230 on thefluidic coupler 1140C engaging stop 1235 on the base of the tray.Accordingly, the assembly can rotate in one direction.

At initial installation of the REHUC cylinder the assembly is rotatedaway from substantially parallel to the tray, the REHUC cylinder mountedsuch that the inlet 1180 is within the inlet receptacle 1140F, and thenthe assembly with REHUC cylinder rotated till the arm 1230 engages thestop 1235. Once in this position the tubing 1160 is attached to theoutlet 1110 of the REHUC cylinder by first attachment 1170A and to thecoupling 1150A of the injector by second attachment 1170B. Subsequently,when the REHUC cylinder is to be removed and a replacement fitted, thenthe first and second attachments 1170A and 1170B are undone, the tubing1160 removed and then the REHUC cylinder can be pivoted upon theassembly away such that the REHUC cylinder can be removed withoutpotential impact to the injector.

Now referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B there is depicted a mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the invention for engaging and disengaginga cylinder within a fluidic system. Referring to FIG. 13A there aredepicted first to third images 1300A to 1300C respectively for a REHUCmechanism according to an embodiment of the invention for engaging anddisengaging a cylinder within a fluidic system. Accordingly, first image1300A depicts the REHUC cylinder comprising outlet 1310, upper bodyportion 1320, lower body portion 1330 and inlet-drain assembly 1340together with steam tube comprising coupling 1350A and tube 1350B (witha plurality of steam outlets disposed along its length). The steam tubebeing coupled to the RHUC cylinder outlet 1310 directly rather than viaa tubing 1160 in FIGS. 11A and 11B respectively. Second and third images1100B and 1100C depict the REHUC mechanism in two different 3Dperspective views.

Within FIG. 13B there are depicted first to third images 1300D to 1300Frespectively. First image 1300D being a close-up 3D perspective view ofthe REHUC cylinder outlet and steam tube coupling depicting the upperbody portion 1320 of the REHUC cylinder with outlet 1310 together withthe injector comprising coupling 1150A and tube 1150B. Second image1100E depicts the injector in isolation comprising coupling 1150A andtube 1150B whilst third image 1100C depicts the REHUC cylindercomprising outlet 1310, upper body portion 1320, lower boy portion 1330and inlet 1380. The inlet 1380 coupling to the inlet-drain assembly 1340when the REHUC cylinder is mounted to it and positioned.

Referring to FIG. 14A first and second image 1400A and 1400B depict a 3Dperspective views of the lower portion of the assembly. First image1400A comprising inlet-drain assembly and REHUC cylinder coupledtogether whilst second image 1400B depicts only the inlet-drainassembly. In first image 1400A the REHUC cylinder is depicted only bylower body portion 1320 whereas the inlet-drain assembly comprises atray 1340E, a first mounting 1340A, a fluidic coupler 1340C and valvecontroller 1340D. In second image 1400B these are also depicted togetherwith second mounting 1340B and inlet receptacle 1340F. The inletreceptacle 1340F being dimensioned to fit around the outer diameter ofthe inlet of the REHUC cylinder when it is inserted. Fluid (e.g. water)flow into the REHUC cylinder from the source, e.g. water reservoir,during vapour fluid generation (operation of REHUC) or cleaning cyclesand fluid flow from the REHUC cylinder during a drain sequence of acleaning cycle or REHUC removal being via the fluidic coupler 1340Cwhich is controlled via valve controller 1340D. The fluidic coupler1340C receiving fluid from external fluid system via controller inletport 1340G wherein it is coupled to the inlet receptacle 1340F andtherein the inlet 1380 of the REHUC cylinder when mounted under thecontrol of the valve controller 1340D. The fluidic coupler 1340C alsodraining fluid from the REHUC cylinder via the inlet receptacle 1340Funder the control of the valve controller 1340D wherein the fluid beingdrained is directed to drain 13401 of the tray 1340E via controlleroutlet port 1340H.

Referring to FIG. 14B there is depicted a 3D perspective view of theinlet-drain assembly depicting the controller inlet port 1340G, drain13401, inlet receptacle 1340F, valve controller 1340D, fluidic coupler1340C as described and depicted in FIG. 14A. Also depicted are firstmounting 1340A, which comprises first coupler mount 1410 and firstsupport 1415, and second mounting 1340B, which comprises second couplermount 1420 and second support 1425. The first and second supports 1415and 1425 being attached to the tray and allowing insertion/retention ofthe assembly (comprising controller inlet port 1340G, inlet receptacle1340F, valve controller 1340D, fluidic coupler 1340C etc. to the tray)as well as rotation of the assembly relative to the tray. Accordingly,the assembly is vertically and laterally positioned by the heights ofthe first and second supports 1415 and 1425 and laterally restrained byflexible support 1440 which is pushed aside as the assembly is loweredand slid into first mounting 1340A. Rotation of the assembly withrespect to the tray is prevented in one direction by arm 1430 on thefluidic coupler 1340C engaging stop 1435 on the base of the tray.Accordingly, the assembly can rotate in one direction.

At initial installation of the REHUC cylinder the assembly is rotatedaway from substantially parallel to the tray, the REHUC cylinder mountedsuch that the inlet 1380 is within the inlet receptacle 1340F, and thenthe assembly with REHUC cylinder rotated till the arm 1430 engages thestop 1435. As the REHUC cylinder and assembly are rotated the outlet1310 of the REHUC cylinder engages the coupling 1350A of the injector.Subsequently, when the REHUC cylinder is to be removed and a replacementfitted, then the REHUC cylinder can be pivoted upon the assembly awaysuch that the REHUC cylinder can be removed without potential impact tothe injector. Accordingly, the outlet 1310 automatically engages anddisengages the coupling 1350A of the injector as the REHUC cylinder andassembly are pivoted in contrast to the configuration depicted in FIGS.11A to 12B wherein the connection from the outlet 1110 of the REHUCcylinder to the coupling 1150A of the injector must be physicallymade/unmade when the REHUC cylinder is in the correct position.

It would be evident that in each assembly configuration depicted withinFIGS. 2A to 14B with each instance of removal—installation electricalconnections are made/unmade which are not explicitly described withrespect to embodiments of the invention. These electrical connectionscan include, but are not limited to, heating element(s), temperaturesensor(s), fluid level sensor(s), etc. Within embodiments of theinvention these electrical connections may be made discretely one byone, all at once through a connector, in subsets through multipleconnectors. Within embodiments of the invention these may beconnected/disconnected as a separate step to that of the fluidicconnections in the removal/installation process or they may be madeconcurrently through appropriate electrical connectors supportinginsertion/removal of a plug or socket from a socket or plug which mayhave retention elements that can be engaged/disengaged to allowremoval/insertion and maintenance of electrical connections during use.

Whilst the cylinders depicted in respect of FIGS. 2A to 14B are circularin external geometry at the base it would be evident that other externalgeometries may be employed including, but not limited to, square,rectangular, hexagonal, and octagonal or a combination thereof. Forexample, a predominantly circular external geometry may be merged with asquare geometry such that edges of the square engage with featureswithin the humidifier aligning the cylinder with the humidifier.Alternatively, such features aligning the cylinder with the humidifiermay be disposed further up the body of the cylinder.

Whilst the cylinders described and depicted in respect of FIGS. 2A to14B exploit a single inlet-drain connection and a single outlet it wouldbe evident to one of skill in the art that multiple inlets and/oroutlets may be employed without departing from the scope of theinvention. For example, a single fluid inlet may be employed, e.g. forwater, with a steam outlet port and a second outlet port for draining.

Whilst the cylinders and embodiments of the invention described anddepicted in respect of FIGS. 2A to 14B relate to humidification systemsit would be evident to one skilled in the art that the concepts may beapplied to a variety of other fluid processing and/or fluid managementsystems including replaceable filters for water purification systems,air conditioning systems, chemical treatments, dehumidification systems,electrostatic purification systems, ultraviolet purification systems,refrigeration systems, chemical systems, heating systems, airconditioning systems, filtering systems, electrical humidifiers,ultrasonic humidifiers, etc.

It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the body of thecylinders, inlet port(s), outlet port(s), connectors, fluidicassemblies, system casing, connectors, etc. may be formed from one ormore plastics, metals, alloys, glasses etc. according to thefunctionality of the cylinder, the fluid(s) coupled to the cylinder, thefluid(s) coupled from the cylinder, operating temperature etc.

The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. Thescope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appendedhereto, and by their equivalents.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the presentinvention, the specification may have presented the method and/orprocess of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps.However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on theparticular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process shouldnot be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps maybe possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth inthe specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of thepresent invention should not be limited to the performance of theirsteps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readilyappreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a first fluidic assembly forcoupling to a first fluid port of a replaceable cylinder for at leastone of providing and receiving a first fluid to the cylinder; and asecond fluidic assembly for coupling to the second fluid port forreceiving a second fluid from a second fluid port of the replaceablecylinder.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first fluidicassembly comprises: a third fluid port; a coupling; a mounting forcoupling the first fluidic assembly to a support within a system ofwhich the cylinder forms part; and a means for moving the coupling froma first position to a second position; wherein in the first position thecoupling is lowered away from the cylinder allowing the cylinder to beinserted and removed from a system comprising the cylinder; and in thesecond position the coupling is raised providing a fluidic couplingbetween the first fluid port and the third fluid port.
 3. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the second fluidic assembly comprises: afourth fluid port; a coupling; a mounting for coupling the secondfluidic assembly to a support within a system of which the cylinderforms part; and a means for moving the coupling from a first position toa second position; wherein in the first position the coupling is raisedaway from the cylinder allowing the cylinder to be inserted and removedfrom a system comprising the cylinder; and in the second position thecoupling is lowered providing a fluidic coupling between the first fluidport and the third fluid port.
 4. The device according to claim 1,wherein the first fluidic assembly comprises: a third fluid port; amounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support within asystem of which the cylinder forms part; and a means for moving thecoupling from a first position to a second position; wherein in thefirst position the coupling is lowered away from the cylinder allowingthe cylinder to be inserted and removed from a system comprising thecylinder; and in the second position the coupling is raised coupling thefirst fluid port to the third fluid port.
 5. The device according toclaim 1, further comprising the replaceable cylinder comprising a body,a first base at the bottom of the body, the first fluid port upon a sideof the body, and the second fluid port upon the side of the body;wherein the device comprises a second base; wherein the replaceablecylinder when disposed such that the first base is upon the second basecan be moved upon the second base between a first position where thefirst fluid port engages the first fluidic assembly and the second fluidport engages the second fluidic assembly and a second position where thefirst fluid port is disengaged from the first fluidic assembly and thesecond fluid port is disengaged with the second fluidic assembly andvice-versa.
 6. The device according to claim 5, further comprising ahandle disposed upon the body allowing a user to hold the replaceablecylinder and move it at least one of between the first position and thesecond position and between the second position and the first position.7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first fluidic assemblycomprises: a third fluid port; a mounting for coupling the first fluidicassembly to a support within a system of which the cylinder forms part;and a handle for use by a user to move the coupling from a firstposition to a second position; wherein in the first position thecoupling is lowered away from the cylinder allowing the cylinder to beinserted and removed from a system comprising the cylinder; and in thesecond position the coupling is raised coupling the first fluid port tothe third fluid port.
 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: afirst portion of the handle; a second portion of the handle coupled at afirst end to a first end of the first portion of the handle and at asecond distal end to a first portion of the coupling; a third portion ofthe handle coupled at a first end to a second distal end of the firstportion of the handle and at a second distal end to a second portion ofthe coupling; wherein when the handle is raised such that the couplingis in the second position the first portion of the handle is disposedabove a top of the replaceable cylinder; the second portion of thehandle is disposed to a first side of the replaceable cylinder; and thethird portion of the handle is disposed to a second side of thereplaceable cylinder.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein thefirst fluidic assembly comprises: a coupling for mating to the firstfluid port; and a mounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to asupport within a system of which the replaceable cylinder forms part;wherein the mounting and support allow the first fluidic assembly totilt such that at least one of the first fluidic assembly can be titledaway from the second fluidic assembly to allow the replaceable cylinderto be removed or the first fluidic assembly can be tilted towards thesecond fluidic assembly after the replaceable cylinder has been mountedto the first fluidic assembly for installation; the first assembly isrigid and a portion of the first assembly engages a portion of themounting; the mounting is rigid and allows the portion of the firstassembly to rotate whilst retaining the portion of the first assemblywith the portion of the mounting; the second fluid assembly is coupledto the second fluid port via a flexible tube; and at least one of afirst connection between the flexible tube and the second fluid port anda second connection between the flexible tube and the second assemblyare undone to allow the replaceable cylinder to be removed and the atleast one of the first connection and the second connection are madeafter the replaceable cylinder has been inserted and tilted towards thesystem.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first fluidicassembly is disposed to with a first portion of the device below asecond portion of the device within which the second fluidic assembly isdisposed; the first fluidic assembly engages at the bottom of thereplaceable cylinder which comprises at least the first fluidic port;the second fluidic assembly engages at the top of the replaceablecylinder which comprises at least the second fluidic port; and thesecond fluidic port and the flexible tube are both angled with respectto a horizontal plane such that any second fluid within the secondfluidic port which is converted to the first fluid flows back into thecylinder.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first fluidicassembly comprises: a coupling for mating to the first fluid port; and amounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support within asystem of which the cylinder forms part; wherein the mounting andsupport allow the first fluidic assembly to be moved and tilted suchthat at least one of the first fluidic assembly can be titled away fromthe second fluidic assembly to allow the replaceable cylinder to beremoved or the first fluidic assembly can be tilted towards the secondfluidic assembly after the replaceable cylinder has been mounted to thefirst fluidic assembly for installation; the first assembly is rigid anda portion of the first assembly engages a portion of the mounting; themounting is rigid and allows the portion of the first assembly to moverelative to it whilst retaining the first assembly such that as thefirst assembly moves relative to the mounting within the portion of themounting the portion of the mounting causes the first assembly to rotaterelative to an axis of the device to effect the tilting of thereplaceable cylinder; the second fluid assembly is coupled to the secondfluid port via a flexible tube; at least one of a first connectionbetween the flexible tube and the second fluid port and a secondconnection between the flexible tube and the second assembly are undoneto allow the replaceable cylinder to be removed and the at least one ofthe first connection and the second connection are made after thereplaceable cylinder has been inserted and tilted towards the system.12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the first fluidic assemblyis disposed to with a first portion of the device below a second portionof the device within which the second fluidic assembly is disposed; thefirst fluidic assembly engages at the bottom of the replaceable cylinderwhich comprises at least the first fluidic port; the second fluidicassembly engages at the top of the replaceable cylinder which comprisesat least the second fluidic port; and the second fluidic port and theflexible tube are both angled with respect to a horizontal plane suchthat any second fluid within the second fluidic port which is convertedto the first fluid flows back into the cylinder.
 13. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first fluidic assembly comprises: acoupling for mating to the first fluid port; and a mounting for couplingthe first fluidic assembly to a support within a system of which thereplaceable cylinder forms part; wherein the mounting and support allowthe first fluidic assembly to tilt such that at least one of the firstfluidic assembly can be titled away from the second fluidic assembly toallow the replaceable cylinder to be removed or the first fluidicassembly can be tilted towards the second fluidic assembly after thereplaceable cylinder has been mounted to the first fluidic assembly forinstallation; the first assembly is rigid and a portion of the firstassembly engages a portion of the mounting; the mounting is rigid andallows the portion of the first assembly to move relative to it whilstretaining the first assembly such that as the first assembly movesrelative to the mounting within the portion of the mounting the portionof the mounting causes the first assembly to rotate relative to an axisof the device to effect the tilting of the replaceable cylinder; thesecond fluid assembly is automatically aligned and coupled to the secondfluid port when the replaceable cylinder is moved towards the secondfluid assembly; and the second fluid assembly is automatically decoupledfrom the second fluid port when the replaceable cylinder is moved awayfrom the second fluid assembly.
 14. The device according to claim 13,wherein the first fluidic assembly is disposed to with a first portionof the device below a second portion of the device within which thesecond fluidic assembly is disposed; the first fluidic assembly engagesat the bottom of the replaceable cylinder which comprises at least thefirst fluidic port; the second fluidic assembly engages at the top ofthe replaceable cylinder which comprises at least the second fluidicport; and the second fluidic port is angled with respect to a horizontalplane such that any second fluid within the second fluidic port which isconverted to the first fluid flows back into the cylinder.
 15. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the first fluidic assemblycomprises: a coupling for mating to the first fluid port; and a mountingfor coupling the first fluidic assembly to a support within a system ofwhich the cylinder forms part; wherein the mounting and support allowthe first fluidic assembly to be moved and tilted such that at least oneof the first fluidic assembly can be titled away from the second fluidicassembly to allow the replaceable cylinder to be removed or the firstfluidic assembly can be tilted towards the second fluidic assembly afterthe replaceable cylinder has been mounted to the first fluidic assemblyfor installation; the first assembly is rigid and a portion of the firstassembly engages a portion of the mounting; the mounting is rigid andallows the portion of the first assembly to move relative to it whilstretaining the first assembly such that as the first assembly movesrelative to the mounting within the portion of the mounting the portionof the mounting causes the first assembly to rotate relative to an axisof the device to effect the tilting of the replaceable cylinder; thesecond fluid assembly is automatically aligned and coupled to the secondfluid port when the replaceable cylinder is moved towards the secondfluid assembly; and the second fluid assembly is automatically decoupledfrom the second fluid port when the replaceable cylinder is moved awayfrom the second fluid assembly.
 16. The device according to claim 15,wherein the first fluidic assembly is disposed to with a first portionof the device below a second portion of the device within which thesecond fluidic assembly is disposed; the first fluidic assembly engagesat the bottom of the replaceable cylinder which comprises at least thefirst fluidic port; the second fluidic assembly engages at the top ofthe replaceable cylinder which comprises at least the second fluidicport; and the second fluidic port is angled with respect to a horizontalplane such that any second fluid within the second fluidic port which isconverted to the first fluid flows back into the cylinder.
 17. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the second fluidic assemblycomprises a first portion of a retention mechanism; the replacementcylinder comprises at least the first fluidic port, the second fluidicport and a second portion of the retention mechanism; the first portionof the retention mechanism and second portion of the retention mechanismautomatically engage when the replaceable cylinder is disposed such thatthe second fluidic port of the replaceable cylinder is engaged with thesecond fluidic assembly upon installation of the replaceable cylinder;and the first portion of the retention mechanism and second portion ofthe retention mechanism automatically disengage when the replaceablecylinder is disposed such that the second fluidic port of thereplaceable cylinder is disengaged with the second fluidic assembly uponremoval of the replaceable cylinder.
 18. The device according to claim1, further comprising: a body of the device comprising the first fluidicassembly, the second fluidic assembly and a stop; wherein the firstfluidic assembly comprises: a coupling for mating to the first fluidport; an arm; and a mounting for coupling the first fluidic assembly toa support within a system of which the replaceable cylinder forms part;the mounting and support allow the first fluidic assembly to tilt suchthat at least one of the first fluidic assembly can be titled away fromthe second fluidic assembly to allow the replaceable cylinder to beremoved or the first fluidic assembly can be tilted towards the secondfluidic assembly after the replaceable cylinder has been mounted to thefirst fluidic assembly for installation; the first assembly is rigid anda portion of the first assembly engages a portion of the mounting; themounting is rigid and allows the portion of the first assembly to rotatewhilst retaining the portion of the first assembly with the portion ofthe mounting; the arm engages against the stop to limit rotation of thefirst fluidic assembly.
 19. The device according to claim 1, wherein thefirst fluidic assembly comprises: a coupling comprising a third fluidport for coupling to the first fluidic port on the bottom of thereplaceable cylinder; a mounting comprising the coupling which rotatesabout an axis allowing the coupling to be tilted from a first positionand a second position; and a means for moving the mounting relative tothe system and thereby the coupling from a third position to a fourthposition; in the third position the support is lowered thereby loweringthe replaceable cylinder such that the second fluid port on the top ofthe replaceable cylinder is now not connected to the second fluidicassembly and allowing the replaceable cylinder to be inserted andremoved from the system; in the fourth position the support is raisedthereby raising the replaceable cylinder such that the second fluidicport on top of the replaceable cylinder is now connected to the secondfluidic assembly; when in the third position the support can be tiltedfrom the first position to the second position allowing the replaceablecylinder if already installed in the system to be tilted relative to thesystem for its removal; and when in the third position the support canbe tilted from the second position to the first position allowing thereplaceable cylinder if not already installed to be mounted onto thecoupling and tilted relative to the system.
 20. The device according toclaim 19, wherein the means for moving the mounting comprises: one ormore cams mechanically coupled to the mounting and the support; and oneor more handles coupled to the one or more cams for rotating the one ormore cams relative to an axis of the support.
 21. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein the first fluidic assembly comprises: an inlet portfor coupling to a source of the first fluid; and a drain port allowingany first fluid within the replaceable cylinder to be drained prior toits removal from the system.